Vidyalankara
Prof. S.K. Ramachandra Rao |
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Vidyalankara, Shastrachudamani, Sangeetakalaratna, Vedantanidhi Prof. S.K. Ramachandra Rao is one
of the outstanding personalities of the Indian literary world.
SKR, as he is well known, is a versatile scholar, well-versed in many fields of learning.
A talented artist, philosopher and scholar all in one, his contributions to various forms
of art and culture are many and unique. His proficiency extends to every Cultural and
Artistic field like the Vedanta, Darshana, History, Classical Literature, Classical Music
Systems, Painting and Sculpture. His knowledge of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism are profound
and so also of subjects like Psychology, Ayurveda, Classical Drama, Poetics,
Management; the list is in exhaustive. His contributions through the media of research,
translations, critical analysis, biographies, art criticism, stories, novels, essays and
commentaries, lectures and research papers to the field of philosophy and literature are both
insightful and extraordinary, combined as they are with his vast experience on the subjects.
Born on 09.02.1926 at Hassan, SKR had his primary education at Nanjanagud near Mysore and
obtained his Master's Degree from the Mysore University in 1947. His parents are Saligrama
Krishna Naryanaya Rao and Smt. Kamala Bai.
SKR began his career teaching Psychology and has since served in the highest capacities
at NIMHANS (world famous Center for Mental Health and Sciences) of Bangalore. He has also
served as the professor of Indian Culture in the Calison College of Pacific University of
America. SKR has also contributed his intelligence and talent to prestigious institutions
like National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Indian Institute of Management (IIM) etc.
He is presently a Visiting Professor at the Vivekananda Study Centre of Mysore University.
SKR is also associated with the Karnataka State Lalithakala Academy, Dance Academy,
Agama Mandali, Academy of Sculptures, etc. He has also served in the advisory committee of
the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams (TTD).
Veda-Sanmana by the Govt. of India (Ministry of HRD) for the year 2000, Karnataka Rajyotsava
Award in 1986, Lalithakala Academy Award, Sangeetha Nritya Academy Award,
Sahitya Academy Award, etc. are some of the prestigious awards conferred on him.
He has studied the various religions in their respective languages and texts under the
guidance of the respective religious heads. He is a prolific writer, orator and critic.
Hundreds of research scholars, students and sincere aspirers have sought his guidance and
expert advice in various fields, many of whom today are respected exponents in their
respective fields. His oratory and writings are scholastic, wise and enlightening, being
rich with introspection and research. His language is clear, elegant and attractive, his
style masterly, dignified and graceful. With his deep insight into the various said fields,
he has upheld and clarified the views and values of the heritage of ancient India, its
arts, science and philosophy. He has been a bridge between the modern scientific progressive
view and the ancient, deep matured philosophical ideas of our great ancestors.
A linguist of high caliber, SKR has profound knowledge of Sanskrit, Kannada, English,
Prakrit, Pali, Tibetan, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, Greek, Latin, French, German etc. He has
traditionally learnt the Vedanta Philosophy from Agnihotri Yajnavittalacharya and
Mahavidwan Palakkad Narayana Shastri and Vedas such as Rigveda, Yajurveda from Keshava Siva
Ghanapathi. He has also learnt about many religions from the respective religious heads -
Pali language and Buddhism from Bhadanta Narada Mahathera Vajiraramaya of Colombo and
Jainism and Prakritas from Jina Vijaya Suri Maharaj of Sthanaka, Tibetan language and
literature from Mahapandita Rahula Sankrutyayana and other great lamas. He has studied
German and French languages under Prof. Graphe and has learnt Greek, Latin, Bengali,
Tamil, Telugu on his own.
A trained student of Veena in Carnatic Music SKR has studied and mastered varieties of
arts and other subjects. He is an extremely talented Painter and Sculptor himself and
has created many master pieces.
SKR has to his credit a large number of literary works in different languages,
the following list being only a glimpse of his works.
In English :
Encyclopaedia of Indian Medicine (3 vols.)
Tibetan Tantrik tradition
Consciousness in Advaita
Origins of Indian thought
Indian Temples (6 vols.)
Pratima Kosha (6 vols.)
Agama Kosha (12 vols.)
Art and Architecture of Indian Temples (3 vols.)
Navagraha Kosha (2 vols.)
Concept of Ganesha
Lalitha Kosha
Ganesha Kosha
Principles of Yajnavidhi
Bharatiya Pranama Paddhati
Vrikshayurveda
Salagrama Kosha
Shiva Kosha
Jivanmukti in Advaita
Tantrik Traditions in Tibet
Vishnu-Kosha
Yoga and Tantra in India and Tibet
The Development of Psychological Thought in India
Studies in Indian Psychology
Mathematical Psychology
He is presently involved in the publishing of 30 volumes of his commentaries on
Rigveda, 9 vols. of which are already published.
Kannada Works are :
Shrisookta
Kalatattvamaharshi
Anandakumaraswamy
Murthishilpa : Nele-Hinnele
Sharada Peetada Manikya
Vivaha Paddatigalu
Nageya Nele
Bharateeya Devalayagala Janapada Moola
Kalatapasvi Venkatappa
Purusha Saraswathi
Pratibhe Endarenu ?
Annappa Daiva
Poornaprajna Prashasti
Geeta Govinda
Valmikii Pratibhe
Shri Krishnana Vyaktitva
Buddhana Balu Belaku
Vichara Lahari
Eshavasyopanishat
He has written a play in Sanskrit, Paurava-Digvijaya and a Pali commentary on the
Buddhist classic Visuddimagga. The above abridged list explains the vastness and depth of his knowledge and expertise
in different fields. It is no exaggeration to say that SKR as a single person has
contributed to the literary world what in fact a University would.
His dynamic vision and ability to delve deep into any topic, problem or situation coming
out with relevant and practical solutions stands out as something profound and inimitable.
His advice and expert opinions in the field of Science, Arts and Philosophy have been of
immense value and help to seekers.
SKR is an extraordinary genius, proficient in different walks of life, yet pious, unassuming
and saintly. His simplicity, nobility, humility and practicality have been a lesson and
glorious example to the society. An embodiment of wisdom and talent, a mobile university
of learning, a master in his own right, SKR is a precious gem in the crown of Mother India.
SKR passed away on February 2nd, 2006 at his residence. He was 78.
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